California Launches One Less Spark Wildfire Prevention Campaign Ahead of Peak Fire Season
Photo Courtesy of the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
California has launched its annual One Less Spark wildfire prevention campaign as the state enters a hotter, drier period, alongside continued investments in wildfire prevention, firefighting personnel and response technology.
California Blog
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California Blog ☀️
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 15, 2026, (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of the state's annual One Less Spark wildfire prevention campaign, a public awareness initiative encouraging residents to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires through safe equipment and vehicle use.
According to the state, approximately 95% of California wildfires are caused by human activity. The campaign includes digital advertising, radio spots, billboards, educational materials and partnerships with local organizations across California.
“One less spark means one less wildfire, and every Californian can play a role in preventing them. We’re asking all residents to take prevention steps seriously. Combined with the strongest wildfire readiness and response system in the country, this is how we keep our communities safe,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The campaign encourages Californians to take preventative measures such as mowing lawns before 10 a.m., securing trailer chains, obtaining permits before burning debris, avoiding parking vehicles on dry grass, and using equipment safely near dry vegetation.
“CAL FIRE is committed to helping Californians understand that one less spark means one less wildfire. As a state, we must work together to reduce the number of wildfires started each year by changing behaviors, increasing awareness, and taking simple actions that prevent ignitions. Individual responsibility and proactive measures can make a real difference in preventing human-caused fires, and I encourage all Californians to take these steps seriously,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
The announcement comes as California continues expanding its wildfire preparedness efforts. State officials said more than 400 wildfire prevention projects covering nearly 100,000 acres have been fast-tracked following an emergency proclamation, while more than $100 million in new wildfire prevention grants has been made available this year.
According to the state, California has also expanded its wildfire detection and suppression capabilities through investments in artificial intelligence-powered wildfire detection systems, drones, satellite monitoring, real-time fire mapping, LiDAR vegetation mapping, and an expanding fleet of C-130H airtankers. The effort also includes the recent launch of the first three FireSat wildfire detection satellites, the first phase of a planned constellation of more than 50 satellites.
According to the governor's office, CAL FIRE's firefighting workforce has grown from 5,829 positions in 2019 to more than 11,400 positions, while the agency's fire protection budget has increased from $2 billion to $3.8 billion during the same period.
The state is also encouraging residents to prepare for wildfire season by signing up for emergency alerts, monitoring active incidents through the CAL FIRE Incident Map, and creating wildfire preparedness plans through ReadyForWildfire.org.
For more information, visit www.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
